Few dishes exude sophistication and flavour as effortlessly as a well-prepared Peppered Fillet Steak with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. This combination not only presents a feast for the taste buds but also creates a visually appealing plate that is sure to impress, whether served for an intimate dinner or a special occasion.
Fillet steak, one of the most tender and luxurious cuts of beef, shines when seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper. The pepper adds just the right amount of spice to the buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture of the fillet. To make it particularly flavourful, some chefs may use a peppercorn crust, giving the steak a bold, aromatic punch that complements its rich, natural taste. A good sear on the outside ensures a beautiful caramelisation, adding depth and a slightly crispy texture to contrast with the juicy, tender centre.
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is an ideal companion to peppered steak, bringing out the flavours without overpowering the main attraction. The asparagus is first blanched, keeping it bright green and tender before being wrapped in slices of streaky bacon. As it cooks, the bacon becomes crispy, providing a smoky counterpoint to the freshness of the asparagus. This classic combination of greens and bacon not only tastes divine but also adds a rustic, comforting touch to the plate, balancing the steak’s elegance.
While this pairing is delicious on its own, several sides can enhance the experience further:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich, creamy mashed potatoes bring warmth and heartiness to the plate. A bit of garlic and butter can make the mash even more indulgent, complementing the steak’s rich flavours.
Dauphinoise Potatoes: For an extra touch of sophistication, dauphinoise potatoes are an excellent choice. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and cheese add a silky, indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with peppered steak.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms sautéed with a splash of white wine or garlic butter are a popular addition. They add an umami depth that complements both the steak and asparagus.
A Simple Mixed Green Salad: A lightly dressed salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of balsamic vinegar can add freshness to the plate. It offers a palate-cleansing contrast to the richness of the steak and bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Béarnaise Sauce: A silky Béarnaise sauce drizzled over the steak can elevate the meal to another level. Its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavour balance the pepperiness of the steak while enhancing its richness.
Finishing Touches
For a truly memorable meal of Peppered Fillet Steak with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, consider finishing with a bold red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which pairs excellently with the richness of the fillet steak. Alternatively, a peppery Shiraz could complement the spiced crust on the steak beautifully.
In essence, peppered fillet steak served with bacon wrapped asparagus is a splendid choice that combines simplicity with elegance. With a few thoughtful sides, this dish can be transformed into a complete culinary experience that delights and satisfies.
Peppered Fillet Steak with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
Fillet Steak:
- 2 medium fillet steaks 200g each
- salt to taste
- black pepper freshly cracked enough to coat steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus:
- 10 medium asparagus spears trimmed
- 5 rashers streaky bacon smoked
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas mark 6.
- Wrap each bundle of 2 asparagus spears with one slice of bacon.10 medium asparagus spears, 5 rashers streaky bacon
- Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking tray, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt.salt, Olive oil
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Season each fillet steak generously with salt on both sides. Press freshly cracked black pepper onto each side to form a light crust.black pepper
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the steaks.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 medium fillet steaks
- Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (or longer, depending on desired doneness).
- During the final minute of cooking, add a knob of butter to the pan and baste the steaks with it.1 tbsp butter
- Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Place the steak on a plate alongside the bacon-wrapped asparagus. Optionally, serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a light salad.
Notes
Fillet Steak Perfection
- Room Temperature Meat – Take the fillet steaks out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
- Thorough Seasoning – Generously season both sides with salt before pressing the cracked black pepper onto the surface. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate.
- Even Pepper Crust – Use coarsely cracked black pepper, not fine-ground, to form a beautiful crust without overpowering the steak.
- High Heat Sear – Ensure the pan is very hot before adding the steaks. A hot pan ensures a deep golden-brown crust.
- Butter Basting for Extra Flavour – When adding butter, include a crushed garlic clove and fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic finish. Tilt the pan and spoon the butter over the steaks repeatedly.
- Resting is Key – Always rest the steak on a warm plate for at least 5 minutes to retain juices.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Perfection
- Pre-Cook the Bacon Slightly – Lightly cook the bacon in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before wrapping. This ensures crispy bacon without overcooking the asparagus.
- Even Wrapping – Wrap the bacon diagonally around the asparagus for better coverage and crispiness.
- Roasting at the Right Temperature – 200°C (180°C fan) is ideal, but for extra crispy bacon, grill for the last 2 minutes.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze – Just before serving, drizzle with a little balsamic reduction for a subtle sweetness that enhances the smokiness of the bacon.
9 comments
I made this for a special date night, and it was an absolute hit. The steak was perfectly tender with just the right amount of peppery kick, and the bacon-wrapped asparagus added a smoky, savoury element that tied everything together.
The pepper on the steak was bold without being overpowering, and the asparagus was perfectly cooked. I added a side of dauphinoise potatoes, and it made the meal complete.
Beautifully flavoured dish and very easy to follow. My kind of recipe.
This dish is as impressive to serve as it is easy to prepare. The combination of the peppered steak and the crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus was a hit with my guests.
Everything was cooked perfectly, and the flavours were fantastic. However, I think a sauce like Béarnaise or a red wine reduction would have taken it to the next level.
The juicy fillet steak paired with crispy, smoky bacon and tender asparagus is simply divine. It’s easy to prepare and looks so fancy on the plate.
I loved how easy this was to put together while still looking and tasting so sophisticated.
The steak was tender and bursting with flavour, and the bacon-wrapped asparagus was a wonderful touch.
This dish is a match made in heaven.